Well, we are several thousand miles away from home, but we're not in Ethiopia yet. Brandon and I are still in transit, along with a fellow member of the Water For Children Africa team named Caiel. We ran into some...logistical issues in Washington D.C. that caused us to miss our flight, and we ended up spending the better part of a day stuck in airports. We flew to New York, and last night we flew from there to Dubai, a large city in the United Arab Emirates. We were originally supposed to fly out 3 hours after our arrival in Dubai, but since we missed that flight it was another 31 hours until the next one departed for Addis Ababa. We decided not to spend any more time in an airport and reserved a hotel room and hired a taxi to take us there.

We have had a pretty fun time so far, it's like getting to see a bonus country that we weren't expecting to experience. The people have been very friendly and the scenery is beautiful, although it is very, very hot. We have booked a trip on the "Desert Safari" tonight, which sounds like it should be fun. I am told that we get to ride camels and belly dance. After that we will be heading to the airport: we fly out at 4:35 AM local time tomorrow morning, after which we will be on our way to Addis Ababa to explore Ethiopia!

Matt - here I am with your mom in the press box waiting for Regionals to begin - and we are NOT HOT! It is COLD and WINDY here - it's probably less that 50 and VERY windy! You enjoy the heat for us! It's nice to hear from you, and as usual, you are turning anything and everything you do into an ADVENTURE!! You both are in your thoughts and prayers - enjoy the journey!!

Well, we hope all is well since we aren't able to talk to you. Amanda got 3rd in the 2 mile and 2nd in the 1 mile and 1st in the 2 mile relay. We are praying for you that God will help you to grow in your faith and walk with Him. I guess he is already doing that in light of what you have gone through so far. God's plans are not always our plans, but he will always be there to lead you along the way. Increase the kingdom through your example of Christ living in you. Sorry for the sermon. We love and miss you and really would like to hear from you if at all possible, even if it is only through email.
Love,
Mom